Spring Walks at Fountains Abbey

20 Mar 2017

Spring is officially here and to mark this special occasion we headed down to Ripon for a walk around Fountains Abbey near Ripon. It took us around an hour and a half to get there from South Shields so it's really not that far from the North East at all.

The day we picked was absolutely perfect. Blue skies and the sun was glorious.

Fountains Abbey is part of the national trust and Matty and I became members last Sunday making Fountains Abbey our first day out.

We had a lush family day out, Archie the dog included. I'm still slightly scared of walking Archie as he's much stronger than Alfie is and I'm worried he'll knock me from my feet.

If you follow me on my instagram stories (@katiejaneonline) you'll know a few weeks ago I took a trip to GoOutdoors and bought some walking boots, determined to take them on some great adventures.

But I think Archie had the best day.

He loved jumping in and out the stream and saying hello to all the other dogs.

As for me I just really enjoyed being in the outdoors and the sun shine.

There were so many secret hidden gems at Fountains Abbey I fell in love with the place.

Altogether we walked 4 miles around Fountains Abbey, it was perfect for a Sunday stroll. The path was perfect for pushchairs if you're looking at taking any littlies with you.

And for any bigger children a brilliant ready made fort to play in.

There really was beauty every where you turned.

On our way home we stopped off at The Swaley Arms in Ripon which was only 3 miles away from Fountains Abbey for a spot of lunch.

To start I had the arancini balls and the fish platter for main. We unanimously agreed that the food was so good. I had high hopes of going for 3 courses but once I'd finished my fish platter I had to admit defeat. But The Swaley Arms is added to my 'good country pub list' I have in my phone! I can't wait for more National trust adventures. I'll keep you updated where I go, I'm hoping either Gibside or Cragside next.